All Set for 'Lakshadeepam'

All arrangements have been completed for ‘Lakshadeepam’, the ceremony that marks the culmination of the 56-day ‘Murajapam’ ceremony at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple that will be held on Tuesday evening.

The temple authorities are issuing passes for the devotees to watch the ritual. As of now, the number of pass holders has reached around 22,000 and entry to the temple will be allowed only to those who have received the free passes.

The City Police also have made elaborate preparations for the event. Around 600 police personnel will be deployed, both inside and outside the temple. More than 300 policemen will be stationed outside the temple to maintain law and order as thousands of people are expected to be present during the ritual.

City Police Commissioner P Vijayan will be directly monitoring the security arrangements. Several policemen, including women police constables, in plain clothes also will be deployed on the temple premises.

The police have installed additional metal detectors at the four entrances of the temple to carry out regular checks. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Sree Padmanabha Temple) Vijayakumar N will oversee security arrangements inside the temple, while DCP (Law and Order) K K Balachandran will be in charge of the security outside the premises.

According to Vijayakumar, special areas have been earmarked for parking vehicles. Traffic Police constables will advise devotees on where to park vehicles.

As part of the security arrangements the police have directed devotees not to carry bags, water bottles, mobile phones, camera and electronic items inside the temple complex. Devotees have been asked to cooperate with the security personnel and policemen on duty.

Free medical facilities, including ambulance and doctors, will be made available near the entrances of the temple. Taking into consideration the safety of the people Fire and Rescue Services vehicles and personnel will also be stationed near the spot.

The ‘Murajapam’ ritual involves chanting of the vedas for 56 days. Traditionally, it is held every six years for the welfare of the country and the vedic recitation is done in turn by priests from various parts of north Kerala.

The 56-day ritual includes the regular recital of the vedas, including Rig Veda, Yajur Veda and Sama Veda, in the Alankara Mandapam of the temple and the recitation of the Sahasranamam inside the Kulasekhara Mandapam.

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